Summary
I’ve never been a huge fan of cases on laptops but theIncase Edge Hardshell Casechanged that for me. I have this case on my 14-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro, and I won’t be taking it off anytime soon.
The case provides plenty of protection, and it blends in with the aesthetic well too. Plus, it doesn’t add a ton of bulk, but makes it easier for me to grab my MacBook Pro. It’s a win all around.
Incase Edge Hardshell Case
The Incase Edge Hardshell Case offers ample protection for your MacBook Pro. It features a clear center window that lets your MacBook Pro’s design show through, and a grippy outer edge so your normally slick laptop is easier to grab.
Price and Availability
The Incase Edge Hardshell Case for 14-inch MacBook Pro comes in either clear or black and costs $49.99. It’s available from Incase, Apple, Best Buy, and Amazon.
This Case Actually Blends In
It’s been a while, but I’ve used many cases on previous MacBook Pros that I’ve owned—none really blended in well with the overall design or feel of the laptop. I’m actually used to laptop cases standing out and being bulky. Incase designed the Edge Hardshell Case right, and this isn’t an issue this time around.
I was actually pretty surprised by this. The Edge Hardshell Case doesn’t really add any bulk to my MacBook Pro. Providing protection requires the case to increase the size of the laptop somewhat, but it’s not a significant difference.
The case is actually relatively transparent, which was another welcome surprise. In the past, when I had a clear laptop case, it was glossy or felt odd—not this time. The Edge Hardshell Case has a great texture and feels grippy, but it’s still very transparent in the center.
In my instance, this actually does a bit of a disservice because a few years ago I dropped something on my MacBook Pro and dinged the top, which is clearly visible through the case. However, if my laptop didn’t have that defect, then I’d be very pleased with how clear it is.
Around the edges it’s a little less transparent, but still plenty see-through. The lower transparency around the edges does lend itself to a better gripping surface, though, which is very welcome.
On the bottom, you’ll find venting for the laptop and it works great. I’ve never had my MacBook Pro overheat in this case, even when rendering out a long timeline in Final Cut Pro—it easily breathes and I don’t feel that the case hinders thermals whatsoever for me.
I’m Not Worried About Small Drops Anymore
As I mentioned, I’ve already dropped something on my MacBook Pro (and I’ve also dropped the laptop itself several times). With the Incase Edge Hardshell Case, I actually don’t really worry about drops like these anymore.
Yes, massive drops could still be detrimental to the laptop, so won’t be using it to play Frisbee golf. However, in my laptop bag or even out on the couch, I’m not worried if it tumbles to the ground anymore. I truly feel that the case provides a decent amount of protection and ensures the laptop won’t get damaged unless something major happens.
Honestly, my favorite thing about the case is the fact that I can set my phone on it now and not worry that either the aluminum will scratch my screen, or that the sapphire of my camera would scratch the aluminum.
The case provides a nice barrier when it’s in my laptop bag, too. I can keep it in a pocket with a few other things without worrying that the laptop will be damaged. If anything, the affordable case will get scratched, which I really don’t care about. The case is easily replaceable.
Should You Buy the Incase Edge Hardshell Case for 14-Inch MacBook Pro?
If you have any M-series 14-inch MacBook Pro, I think theIncase Edge Hardshell Caseis definitely worth purchasing. At $50, it costs a fraction of what your computer did, and is a worthwhile investment to protect your expensive machine.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting to like this case nearly as much as I did, and I fully expected to make my laptop naked again (just like my phone is). But the Incase Edge Hardshell Case won me over enough that it has a permanent home on my MacBook Pro—and I think you’ll agree with me once you get one, too.
